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Jessica Engle, Former CEO of Tribal Telecom Subsidiary, Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $500,000 from Yurok Tribe
A former CEO of a tribal telecom subsidiary has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $500,000 from the Yurok Tribe in California. Jessica Engle, 42, of Gold Hill, Oregon, pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling more than $579,574 from an Indian tribal organization and theft from programs receiving federal funds.
Engle was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sept. 25, 2024, on charges of embezzling approximately $579,574 from an Indian tribal organization and theft from programs receiving federal funds. She pleaded guilty to both counts in the indictment.
According to court documents, Engle embezzled funds from the Yurok Tribe while she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Yurok Telecommunications Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yurok Tribe, and converted the funds to her own use.
Engle’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Maxine M. Chesney. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of theft from programs receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666 and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1163.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Sampson and Sophia Cooper with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with the assistance of the Yurok Tribal Police.
Engle’s actions have left the Yurok Tribe stunned and seeking justice. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in tribal governments and their subsidiaries.
A spokesperson for the Yurok Tribe declined to comment on the matter, citing an ongoing investigation.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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